08/14/2026
This makes me angry. And after 20+ years of running my preschools, I can tell you this isn’t just a statistic — I’m living it.
50% of preschool operators surveyed say they may have to close. I recently had to close one of my own locations because the numbers simply stopped working.
Families are being encouraged toward daycare because the government funding makes it significantly cheaper, while preschools are left trying to survive with a completely different funding model.
We are licensed. We have qualified educators. We provide early learning. We have rent, wages, insurance, supplies, utilities and all the same rising costs — yet we are not given the same support.
How is that sustainable?
I have spent 20 years building my preschool, supporting families and providing a place where children can learn and grow. Closing a location was heartbreaking — and honestly, it makes me angry that this is where we are.
If the government wants affordable early learning options for families, then preschool needs to be treated as an important part of that system too.
Because once these preschools close, they aren't easy to replace.
Something needs to change. And it needs to change now. 😡 NBC CityNews Calgary Global Calgary Global National Global News CTV Calgary CTV News CBC Radio
Alberta parents might have a lot fewer preschool options to choose from soon.
Preschool operators are warning that the province’s current child-care funding system is putting licensed preschools at a major disadvantage compared with daycares.
A preliminary survey from the Association of Canadian Early Learning Programs found:
👉 50% of preschool operators surveyed anticipate closing before or during the 2026–27 school year if the funding model stays the same
👉 74% reported declining enrolment
👉 81% said families are choosing daycare because of lower fees
👉 Daycare fees are capped at $15 per day for parents under the affordability program
👉 Licensed preschools can charge their own fees, with families receiving a discount of up to $100 per child
👉 Advocates say that difference is pushing families toward daycare even though both types of programs are provincially licensed
Preschool advocates are asking Alberta to change the funding model so affordability funding follows children regardless of which licensed early-learning option their family chooses.
The province says it remains focused on creating a flexible child-care system and is seeking a longer-term funding agreement with the federal government.
📲 DM us videos or photos of things happening in Edmonton to be featured on our page
